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Posts for category: Orthotics

Bunions are a very common problem for both men and women. Not only do bunions hurt when they rub with footwear, but they can progress to the point where they lead to significant deformity. In fact, in severe cases, bunions can cause the entire joint of the big toe to dislocate. We want to avoid this! Here is what we can do for you and your bunions!

What Causes Bunions?

Unfortunately, there are many causes of bunions and sometimes these can be difficult to pinpoint. Causes include biomechanical fault, congenital deformity, genetic predisposition, environmental factors such as wearing inadequate footwear, disease, or a combination of these. Because bunions represent a bony deformity, the only true way to rid oneself of a bunion is surgically. Unfortunately, surgery wait times in Ontario are very long, recovery can be long and painful, and what’s worse is that unless the underlying biomechanical problem is corrected, there is a high risk for bunion recurrence. This is where your chiropodist comes in handy!

What Can we do for your Bunion?

Its simple, really. Biomechanical problems such as flat feet, faulty gait patterns, muscle tightness/weakness or joint hypermobility can all contribute to the development of a bunion, and further, can cause existing bunions to worsen. The goal for a chiropodist and your bunion is to reduce pain, prevent progression of deformity and reduce pressure spots caused by the deformity. This is achieved three main ways:

Orthotics, padding and strapping: all three of these modalities can alter foot mechanics, which can in turn reduce pressure on the foot and prevent progression of the bunion deformity

Debridement of trouble callous: this can help reduce pressure areas, improve pain and prevent wounds and ulcers (this is particularly important if you have diabetes).

Footwear education: you need an expert when it comes to footwear for bunions, plain and simple. What’s more, a chiropodist has the tools in office to make modifications to your current footwear to make instant changes to improve comfort

If you have painful bunions, you might benefit greatly from a visit to us! Call 519-624-4122 to find out more!

Could YOU have a Limb Length Discrepancy?

Did you know that many of us, are walking around with one leg longer than the other without even knowing it? In fact, it is estimated that 23% of the general population are affected by a limb length discrepancy (LLD). While you may think you would notice if your legs aren’t the same length, the truth is, this is often not the case at all. Much of the time, the difference in limb length is small, and therefore goes unnoticed in our patients.

LLD- What is it?

Otherwise known as anisomelia, LLD refers either structural or functional limb length discrepancy. Structural limb length discrepancy is a true difference in limb length caused by shortened bones on one side of the leg (tibia or femur). While most people with a structural LLD have had it since birth, others develop structural LLD through traumatic events or joint replacement. On the other hand, a functional LLD is caused by soft tissue abnormality, such as ligamentous laxity in the hip, tight pelvic muscles, or over-pronation. With a functional LLD, there is no actual difference in the lengths of the bones, but it just seems that way because of what else is going on in the body.

When is a difference in leg length a problem?

Often many people do not experience symptoms from LLDs, and this is good. But when an individual develops pain (usually in the lower back or hips), or alters their gait due to an LLD, it can become a problem. Some people will even have to quit sporting activities or doing things they love. That’s where we come in! We have all the tools to properly measure the limbs and to determine whether an LLD is structural or functional, how the body is compensating, and direct treatment from there. Treatment may include things like stretching (functional LLD), orthotic therapy, or lift therapy. Lift therapy can be difficult, and we tend to take a step-up approach by increasing the height of the lift every few weeks.

If you think you may be suffering from a limb length discrepancy, give us a shout at 519-624-4122!

Bunions getting you down?

It is sad to say, but these are the final days of summer. And with September comes back-to-school, settling into old routines, and colder weather. Around this time, most of us switch out our summer sandals, fancy pedicures and toenail polish for closed-toed footwear- and this transition can lead to a spike in foot problems.

In particular, statistics show that complaints of bunion pain increase dramatically in the fall. A bunion is a bone deformity caused by an enlargement of the joint at the base and side of the big toe. About 1 in 3 individuals have bunions and they often a present within families. Most of the time, bunions are painless. But when a patient does experience bunion pain, it is usually due to abnormal friction and rubbing with footwear. Therefore it is no surprise that the switch from accommodative sandals to more occlusive fall footwear leads to an increase in bunion-related office visits!

So what can be done about your bunions? One aspect of bunion care is prevention of further deformity. This can be achieved through a variety of facets, some of which include: protective padding applied by a chiropodist, callus/corn removal or use of a splint. A bunion splint is a corrective device that is usually worn at night that works to pull the big toe outward in order to prevent further inward deviation of the digit, along with preventing outward deviation of the joint. These are available at chiropody offices.

Finally, one of the most effective options for bunions is to have a full biomechanical assessment to determine faulty foot mechanics followed by development of custom orthotics. Orthotics will help to correct the underlying biomechanical issues that could be causing your bunions.For later stage bunion deformity, surgery may be effective. Surgery in Ontario is conducted by an orthopedic surgeon and has variable long-term results.

If fall footwear has resulted in increased pain to your bunions, or for a biomechanical assessment, call our office today at 519-624-4122! We can help.

Do you know how to get straight A's? By using a ruler, of course! Let us apply the same concept to finding the perfect orthotic - by measuring your foot. If you or someone you know is in need of an orthotic to correct or relieve the pain from a foot or ankle condition, you may be wondering how their feet are fitted.

Getting your feet measured for orthotics is completely painless. Each of your feet will be measured from the ankle to the tips of your toes, while the toes are pointed straight. Both feet may also be evaluated while your ankles have been turned in various directions.

Your chiropodist will also observe your feet while you walk and when stationary to determine which areas are experiencing unnecessary pressure and stress. Notes will be made regarding the location of your discomfort, your weight, and your shoe size. Once all of the necessary information has been gathered, you will be paired with a perfectly fitting custom orthotic, made specifically to address your individual needs. These orthotics should be placed inside your shoes and worn as directed.

Keep in mind that the details above may vary from one office to another. Orthotics cannot correct structural deformities, but they are a great option for pain relief. If you have been searching for a perfect fit, schedule an appointment to get your feet measured for orthotics with Achilles Custom Orthotics and Footcare in Cambridge, ON, today! You can reach our office at (519) 624-4122 or by way of our online patient forms.

Life isn't always sweet, just ask someone with diabetes. Even in its earliest stages, this disease may result in neuropathy or lack of sensation in your feet, which makes proper footwear a crucial part of the treatment process. You can help prevent serious complications by asking Achilles Custom Orthotics and Footcare aboutorthotics for diabetic feet. Though your life may not be like a box of chocolates, you could get your hands on a box of custom shoe inserts, pads, or braces.

It's essential that your footwear relieves your feet of excessive pressure. Too much localized pressure in one area could lead to skin breakdowns and ulcers. Your shoes should also stabilize and support deformities that may have occurred, such as Charcot foot or hammertoe. A custom orthotic provides all of this and more!

Orthotics for diabetic feet accommodate your changing limbs, decrease inflammation, relieve pain, and result in a more stable and functional foot. Foot pads and shoe inserts are placed on the sole of the shoes to treat complications such as flat feet, toe pain, and arthritis. They range from rigid to soft, depending on your condition, and can be custom-fitted to the unique shape of your feet. Ankle braces, on the other hand, must be put on before fitting into a shoe. Braces are used to treat ankle arthritis, foot drop, and tendonitis.

Caring for diabetic feet and proper footwear go hand-in-hand. Custom orthotics will help to correct your stance, provide cushion and support, and prevent serious foot complications. We offer both soft and rigid models. Together, we can find the modification that works for you! Call Chiropodist Douglas Broad at Achilles Custom Orthotics and Footcare at (519) 624-4122 to set up your fitting today!